Apr 16, 2010 • Searcy, AR, USA

A Cook at sea

by • 6 Comments

Mary Cook describes Arkansas, her home state, in this way: “We have lots of rice fields. It’s also the world headquarters for duck hunting, international headquarters for Walmart, we’re number one in chicken production. I think we’re the only state in the union that has a diamond mine.”

Cook is a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at Ahlf Junior High. She says that Arkansas “used to be called the land of opportunity because of all these opportunities: the chickens, the rice, the diamonds. But I think it’s still the land of opportunity.”

Her students think so too. Listen to Mary Cook’s story, and you’ll see why.

[audio:https://coseenow.net/podcast//2010/04/og32.mp3]

Slideshow

Mary Cook onboard the R/V Ronald H. Brown.

8th grader Emily Rollins reads the book that her teacher Mary Cook co-authored about her time at sea. Credit: Mary Cook.

8th grader Brett Bolasco points out one of the sea creatures on display in Mary Cook's science classroom. Credit: Mary Cook.

Science teacher Mary Cook releases a weather balloon during a research cruise as part of NOAA's Teacher at Sea program.

Mary Cook's time on the water was turned into a children's book, filled with science, great prose, and beautiful illustrations.

Bob the student-decorated drifter buoy awaits his deployment.

Education Standards

National Science Education Standards Grade 5 to 8

National Science Education Standards Grade 9 to 12

Ocean Literacy Principles

Send a Message

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A Cook at sea

5 Comments

  1. Gordon Snyder says:
    April 16, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    I really enjoyed this podcast. What an opportunity – I am so jealous!

  2. Mary Cook says:
    April 16, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    Hi Gordon, Thanks!! I’m glad you enjoyed the podcast. It was a great opportunity serving as a NOAA Teacher at Sea—- a wonderful program for any teacher. I’m proud of my students for their enthusiasm about the ocean. They are so energetic and insightful! Have a great day!

  3. Diane Stanitski says:
    April 16, 2010 at 9:58 pm

    Hi Mary, Wow! What a great podcast. You made me feel as if we were on the ship again, especially the reminder of how the ocean seems to breathe. It was a privilege to work with you on board the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown, and it’s terrific hearing how your students were impacted by your experience. Keep up the great work, and let’s go to sea again!!

  4. Tweets that mention COSEE NOW | Home -- Topsy.com says:
    April 17, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Gordon F Snyder Jr. Gordon F Snyder Jr said: Excellent podcast – seventh and eighth grade science teacher from Arkansas – NOAA Teacher at Sea Program https://is.gd/bvQcd […]

  5. Mary Cook says:
    April 17, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    Hey Diane! Great to hear from you. Thank you for your comments. You being my mentor and co-author while aboard the Ronald H. Brown was a huge reason for the success of my Teacher at Sea cruise and all the “after” works, including the WHOI workshop and continued Adopt a Drifter efforts. You may not realize it but your oceanic and atmospheric work is continuing to have a positive effect on 100s of kids. Thank you for being a friend and a great mentor.

  6. Liesl Hotaling says:
    July 9, 2010 at 7:18 pm

    Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story, and I really loved Mary’s comment about the ocean breathing.

A Cook at sea

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